How to Resize WordPress Images

But What Does Image Size Do?

The width and height of an image are the image size, which is in pixels. Sounds simple, right? However, that is the trick… the images that are extracted directly out of cameras or design programs are typically very large in size. Like really big. And as you post those large files directly to WordPress, your site begins to drag. It is slow to load pages, it annoys users, and even Google is not extremely pleased about it. That is why it is not only technically necessary to learn how to resize WordPress images; it is also more or less a necessity now.

Why is It Even Significant to Resize Images at All?

Okay, so here is the thing. Image resizing is not just about shrinking images and having fun.

• It improves website speed.
• It helps SEO rankings
• It makes your webpage look clean in a professional way.

And to tell the truth, it is nicer to scroll through a speedy site. Even the finest design can not salvage your site performance when your images are not properly optimized.

How Do I Scale an Image in WordPress (Easy Method)?

We’ll begin with the least difficult one. WordPress already provides default image sizes, and thus, you do not always require additional tools. These default sizes are:

• Thumbnail: 150 x 150 px
• Medium: width and height 300 px.
• Large: max width and height 1024 px

And occasionally your theme may go up with some additional sizes as well, so do not be surprised. Here’s how you do it:

• Go to your Media Library or post an image.
• Insert the picture on a post or page.
• Click on the image
• On the side you will find a settings panel.
• Select the resolution or size option.
• Choose your desired size
• Click ‘save’.

And finished… nice, easy, and straightforward.

What About a Custom Size? (a little more control)

Now perhaps you do not want those default sizes. Perhaps there is something very particular that is needed in your design. That’s totally fine. Here’s how you can do that:

• Choose an image in the media library.
• Add it to a post or page
• To open settings, click the image.
• Type in width and height.
• Save the changes

This is a good technique to use when you do not have to modify all of your pictures, just a few.

Resizing Directly Out of the Media Library (easy cut trick)

This is a very useful one and many people are not aware that it exists.

You do not have to put the images in a post to resize them. Steps are easy:

• Open media library
• Click on the image
• Select “Edit Image”
• Find the “Scale Image” option
• Enter new dimensions
• Click scale

That’s it. Quick and easy.

But How About the Best Way, in General?

Well, there is no best way. It depends on your situation. Here are your main options: The settings panel is good if you want to make quick edits.

• media library → preferred when you already have some images uploaded.
• plugins → most effective in bulk resizing
• custom code → for developers
• theme settings → to keep the same settings.

When you have a large site, it can get painfully easy to resize all of the images manually.

Why Do People Resize with Plugins?

Now, there is no doubt about the fact that Plugins simplify life. Here’s why they are popular:

• They conserve time on bulk processing.
• They automatically enhance pictures.
• They maintain an image size.
• They are in favor of responsive design.

Plugins are nearly essential, provided that you work with a large number of pictures.

Some Simple Suggestions on the Best Plugins to Try

Plugins are numerous, but these are quite popular:

• Smush
• ShortPixel
• EWWW Image Optimizer

These tools resize as well as compress images. That is, your pictures remain attractive but occupy less space. Moreover, WordPress typically uses auto-compression on images down to 82% quality. However, in some cases, you may desire even more compression to achieve a higher speed. Just do not go too far with it, or the pictures begin to appear out of focus.

A Word or Two About Optimization (do not miss it)

Although you can resize pictures, they might still be bulky, unless you optimize them.
So always try to:

• Before posting pictures, compress them.
• Follow the proper formats, such as JPEG or WebP.
• Not to post a big raw file
• This little habit can go a long way.

Horizontal/Vertical Gallery Effects with Gallery Plugins

In case you have to deal with image galleries, then a plugin such as FooGallery PRO may prove useful. It allows you to:

• Set custom thumbnail sizes.
• Automatically resize pictures.
• Create beautiful galleries.
• Keep everything consistent.

For example, this can save an hour of work in running an e-commerce store or photography site. You just need to set dimensions, and the rest will be done by the plugin. Pretty useful, honestly.

How to Resize Pictures in WordPress (a little different)

There is a difference between resizing and cropping, though people confuse them. Cropping is the process of removing some of the image. Here’s how you do it:

• Select an image in the post or page.
• Click the crop icon.
• Select aspect ratio (square, landscape, etc.).
• Adjust the selection.
• Apply changes.

Simple, but powerful.

Resizing vs. Cropping: (Which one is better than the other?)

Let’s make it super clear.

Resizing

Pros:

• Keeps the full image.
• Reduces file size.
• Fast process.

Cons:

• May lose some quality.
• Can’t change composition.

Cropping

Pros:

• Focus on the important part.
• Better composition.

Cons:

• Removes parts of the image.
• Can distort if not careful.

So yeah, both have their place. All you have to determine is what you need.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid (attempt to correct these)

And even seasoned users get this wrong.

• Direct posting of large pictures
• Ignoring compression
• Using the wrong dimensions
• Stretching images manually
• Not testing on mobile

Such minor details can destroy your design and performance.

How Does This Connects With Professional Services

Of course, image handling is a bigger concern when you are operating a business website. A lot of the companies that provide WordPress development services pay particular attention to the optimization of performance. And image resizing is a large portion of that. Since, at the end of the day, a fast website = improved user experience + improved conversions.

Finally (less is more)

It is not a very difficult thing to learn how to resize WordPress images, but you must not overlook it. Start simple:

• Use default sizes where possible.
• Special cases are resized by hand.
• Use plugins for bulk work.
• Always optimize images.
• And gradually you will improve at it.

After getting familiar with the fundamentals of resizing WordPress images, it is easy and smooth sailing when it comes to dealing with your site. It may be small but believe me, big impact. So next time, before you post an image, you just have to go and think, does this have to be so big? Probably not